What I really loved about St. John’s, Newfoundland was its small town feel with pretty much everything a Travelling Foodie wants: city life, nature and food in one. In this travel guide, we’re covering some of the best things to do in St. John’s.
Two of the biggest things I learnt is that it is the oldest and most easterly city in North America. And for Foodies, it is home to Mary Brown’s Fried Chicken.
It was my first time visiting St. John’s in May 2016, which was also my first time visiting Newfoundland and Labrador. I stayed for one week and found it was not enough.
There are so many things to do in St. John’s and this travel guide will cover some of its best attractions, places to eat and drink.
Also Read: Where To Eat in St. John’s, Newfoundland
Best Things To Do in the City
Signal Hill Historic Site
The Signal Hill Historic Site showcases beautiful panoramic views of the St. John and the Cabot Tower which sites on top of the hill.
Website / Address: 230 Signal Hill Rd, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador A1A 1B3
Outer Battery
The Outer Battery is a nice walk just below Signal Hill and gives a more intimate view of St. John’s Harbour and the Narrows.
Address: Outer Battery Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland
Jellybean Row of Houses
Brightly coloured Victorian rowhouses, the Jellybean Row of Houses have been a hit with tourists for years. You can’t miss them since they are everywhere in Downtown St. John!
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
The Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site is the most easterly point in North America. Beautiful views and has the Cape Spear Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland!
Website / Address: 1914-1930 Black Head Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador A0A 1J0
The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a National Historic Site of Canada due to its architectural uniqueness.
Built in the form of Latin Cross and Lombard Romanesque style of a Roman Basilica, it is one of the earliest North American examples of Romanesque revival style.
Website / Address: 200 Military Rd, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador A1C 5M3
Quidi Vidi Village and Brewery
Quidi Vidi is a quaint village in St. John’s. One of the best things to do here is the Quidi Vidi Brewery where you can do a tour and tasting while having very pisturesque views of the village.
While you’re there, be sure to also dine at Mallard Cottage, one of the best restaurants in St. John’s and the rest of Canada.
Website / Address: 35 Barrows Rd, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador A1A 1G8
Also Read: Nova Scotia Food Guide
George Street
George Street is St. John’s “Night Life” Street, a two-block long street with many bars and pubs. It actually has the record for a street with most bars and pubs per square foot in North America!
Also on George Street is YellowBelly Brewery, a Newfoundland Historic Site and one of the best restaurants in St. John’s.
Website / Address: 288 Water St, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador A1C 5J9
Best Things To Do outside St. John’s
Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park is a very big national park, albeit scattered. There are so many activities in this park so you will want to plan ahead.
Beauty already starts right at the Visitor’s Center.
This is from the Blue Hill West Trail which is a short hike to the highest point of Terra Nova National Park.
Website / Address: 1 Trans-Canada Highway, Glovertown, Newfoundland & Labrador
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Timmins, Ontario
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve contains four islands: Gull Island, Green Island, Great Island, and Pee Pee Island
To tour the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, you need to go with one of the several licenced Boat Tours, where you get opportunities to spot icebergs, whales and other wildlife as well.
In my trip, I visited the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve through O’Brien’s Award Winning Boat Tours which is also a whale and bird watching tour.
Website / Address: Islands accessible by boat tours
Hope this travel guide helps give you an idea on the best things to do in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
I’m always looking for more places to see when I return. Please let me know what you find are the best attractions in St. John’s that I can check out.